'Nigerians commit crimes to extend Goa stay'

Panaji, March 25 (IANS) Nigerian nationals commit minor crimes in Goa only to legally extend their stay in the state, a ruling party legislator alleged Monday.

"These Nigerians operate in a gang. They stay in village homes and flats. They don't even have proper visas. They commit petty offences and then they stay here until the case gets over. During their stay here, they commit all kinds of crimes like drug peddling," Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) legislator Michael Lobo told the state assembly.

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar said that a policy is being worked out to ensure that they are deported, without cases being filed against them.

Lobo was speaking during zero hour.

Responding to the legislator, Parrikar said he was reviewing the issue of foreigners staying in Goa without necessary documentation.

"They do these minor crimes and once a case is registered, Indian judicial system ensures that they stay here for 10 to 15 years," Parrikar said.

"We are in the process of making a policy on how to handle this. Those committing these minor offences will then be directly deported instead of being booked. We need to send them back," Parrikar said.